TI Blaze's 'Shakur,' Executive Produced by Dapper, Emerges as One of 2025's Most-Streamed Albums

How T.I Blaze’s Shakur Became One of Africa’s Most-Streamed Albums of 2025

While the global music industry often chases the next dance sensation, T.I Blaze has built his career on something far more powerful: relatability. His 2025 album, Shakur, has officially transitioned from a local favorite into one of the most-streamed African projects of the year.

Behind this remarkable achievement is Damilola “Dapper” Akinwunmi, CEO of Dapper Group, whose executive vision has transformed what was once considered a “street-hop” niche into a global streaming force.

The success of Shakur stands as a testament to long-term artist development. Since T.I Blaze’s breakout, Dapper has worked deliberately to evolve the artist’s raw “trench-pop” sound into something more expansive and sonically refined. The album blends high-energy Afrobeats with T.I Blaze’s trademark reflective lyricism, striking a balance between street realism and mainstream appeal.

Much of the album’s polish can be credited to Banger Only Productions (BOP), Dapper’s recently launched production house created to ensure every release meets global production standards. Serving as Executive Producer on Shakur, Dapper’s role extended far beyond funding and distribution. It centered on protecting the artist’s narrative and preserving his identity.

In an era where data-driven hits often sacrifice soul for numbers, Dapper ensured that T.I Blaze’s message of resilience remained at the heart of the project, even as the production grew more sophisticated.

Speaking on the album’s massive streaming performance and the label’s infrastructure, Dapper explained:

“The streaming numbers we are seeing with Shakur aren’t accidental; they are the result of a deliberate, long-term investment in authenticity. My goal has always been to build a label infrastructure where an artist doesn’t have to compromise their story to reach a global audience. When the infrastructure is as strong as the talent, the results are undeniable. We are building a world where our artists can remain consistent and relevant for decades, not just seasons.”

As of late 2025, Shakur continues to maintain a strong presence in the Top 5 of the TurnTable Top 50 Albums chart. For Dapper, this milestone represents more than just another commercial success. It signals the growing influence of his executive vision and reinforces the idea that his “Executive Produced” stamp has become a trusted seal of quality for both fans and digital platforms.